Characterization and cytotoxicity studies of thiol‐modified polystyrene microbeads doped with [{Mo6X8}(NO3)6]2– (X = Cl,Br, I)

Halide octahedral molybdenum clusters [{Mo₆X₈}L₆]^n– possess luminescence properties that are highly promising for biological applications. These properties are rather dependent on the nature of both the inner ligands X (i.e. Cl, Br, or I) and the apical organic or inorganic ligands L. Herein, the luminescence properties and the toxicity of thiol‐modified polystyrene microbeads (PS‐SH) doped with [{Mo₆X₈}(NO₃)₆]^2– (X = Cl, Br, I) were studied and evaluated using human epidermoid larynx carcinoma (Hep2) cell cultures. According to our data, the photoluminescence quantum yield of {Mo₆I₈}@PS‐SH is significantly higher (0.04) than that of {Mo₆Cl₈}@PS‐SH (<0.005) and {Mo₆Br₈}@PS‐SH (<0.005). Treatment of Hep2 cells with {Mo₆X₈}@PS‐SH showed that all three types of doped microbeads had no significant effect on the viability and proliferation of the cells. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,structure and luminescence properties of new chalcogenide octahedral rhenium cluster complexes with 4-aminopyridine [{Re6Q8}(4-NH2-py)6]2+

Two new cationic octahedral rhenium cluster complexes [{Re₆Q₈}(4-NH₂-py)₆]²⁺ (Q=S, Se; 4-NH₂-py = 4-aminopyridine) were synthesized by reactions of cesium salts of cluster anions [{Re₆Q₈}Br₆]^4?/3? with molten 4-aminopyridine. Both complexes were separated as salts with Br^? as counterions and the structure of [{Re₆S₈}(4-NH₂-py)₆]Br₂·6DMF was revealed by X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, energy dispersive X-ray, IR, NMR, and luminescence spectroscopies.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Luminescence Properties of a {Mo6I8} Complex with (C6F5)2PO2 Ligands

Reaction of [Mo₆I₈(CH₃COO)₆]^2– with bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphinic acid HO(O)P(C₆F₅)₂ yielded a new bright‐red luminescent complex [{Mo₆I₈}(O₂P(C₆F₅)₂)₆]^2–, isolated as (Bu₄N)(H₅O₂)[{Mo₆I₈}(O₂P(C₆F₅)₂)₆] · 3(Et₂O) · 1.5(acetone). It was characterized by X‐ray analysis, CV, ESI‐mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy.     

A new cyanobridged one-dimensional coordination polymer based on the octahedral rhenium cluster [Re6Se8(CN)6]4−: Synthesis and crystal structure of [{Cu(H2O)0.5(en)2} {Cu(en)2}Re6Se8(CN)6]·3H2O

The rhenium cluster complex [{Cu(H₂O)_0.5(en)₂} {Cu(en)₂} Re₆Se₈(CN)₆]·3H₂O has been obtained by the reaction of an aqueous solution of K₄[Re₆Se₈(CN)₆]·3.5H₂O with an aqueous solution of Cu(en)₂Cl₂ using cross diffusion through a gel. The structure of the compound has been characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction method (a = 10.690(3) Å, b = 15.035(5) Å, c = 25.847(8) Å, V = 4154(2) ų, Z = 4, space group P2₁2₁2₁, R = 0.0651). Cluster anions [Re₆Se₈(CN)₆]^4? in the complex are connected with Cu²⁺ cations by cyano bridges resulting in zigzag chains. Coordination environment of cations is completed by ethylenediamine molecules. Additionally each cluster anion is coordinated by one terminal fragment {Cu(H₂O)_0.5(en)₂}.     

Crystal structure of the octahedral cluster complex trans-[{Re6S8}(pyz)4I2]·2pyz

The cluster complex of the composition trans-[{Re₆S₈}(pyz)₄I₂]· 2pyz (pyz is pyrazine) is obtained by the reaction of Cs₄[{Re₆S₈}I₆] with molten pyrazine. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group $P\bar 1$ with the following unit cell parameters: a = 9.0562(7) Å, b = 10.2502(7) Å, c = 12.6783(9) Å, α = 98.537(3)°, β = 107.573(2)°, γ = 106.943(3)°, V = 1036.6(1) ų, Z = 1, d _calc = 3.377 g/cm³. The crystal structure is built of trans-[{Re₆S₈}(pyz)₄I₂] cluster complexes and uncoordinated pyrazine molecules.     

Synthesis and structure of cluster compounds containing a novel cluster core {Re4STe3}

Three novel cluster compounds K₄[Re₄STe₃(CN)₁₂]·₄H₂O (I), [{Cu(en)₂}₂Re₄STe₃(CN)₁₂]·₅H₂O (II) and [{Cu(trien)}₂Re₄STe₃(CN)₁₂]·2H₂O (III) (en is ethylenediamine, trien is triethylenetetraamine) containing a new cluster core {Re₄STe₃} have been prepared and structurally characterized. According to single crystal X-ray diffraction data, compound I is ionic and represents the arrangement of ions K⁺ and [Re₄STe₃(CN)₁₂]^4?; compounds II and III are molecular and formed by two cationic moieties {Cu(en)₂}²⁺ and {Cu(trien)}²⁺, respectively, coordinated to one cluster anion. In the solid state, S atom positions in the tetrahedron Q₄ (Q = S, Te) are disordered for all three compounds: in I and III sulfur atoms are split over all four Q positions, while in II over two positions.     

From Small {Mo2O4}2+ Aggregates to Infinite Solids

Mononuclear oxohalomolybdates(V) readily generate in the mixtures of alcohols and pyridines through a series of substitution and dimerization reactions, still reactive dinuclear {Mo₂O₄}²⁺ fragments which assemble together into larger cluster species. In all, the {Mo₂O₄}²⁺ unit with the two molybdenum atoms connected by a single metal-metal bond, appears as a recurrent structural motif, either as a single {Mo₂O₄}²⁺ unit in dinuclear compounds or as assemblies of two, three, four or six units through bridging oxygen donor ligands in tetranuclear, hexanuclear, octanuclear and dodecanuclear compounds, respectively. Pyridine, halide, alkoxide and alcohol ligands occupy the peripheral positions of the molybdenum oxide cores. Their structures will be presented in terms of different arrangements and connectivities among the basic dinuclear building blocks. By using a suitable linker, an oxalate adopting a bisbidentate binding mode was shown to serve the purpose, the {Mo₂O₄}²⁺ units were connected into infinite chains.     

Rb{Pr6C2}I12, an Iodide with a 13‐Electron Isolated Octahedral {Pr6C2} Cluster

Rb{Pr₆(C)₂}I₁₂ was obtained from a mixture of RbI, PrI₃, Pr and C as black single crystals at elevated temperatures. The black crystals are triclinic, (no. 2), a = 960.1(2), b = 957.0(2), c = 1003.4(2) pm, α = 71.74(2), β = 70.69(2), γ = 72.38(2)°, V = 805.6(3) 10⁶ pm³, Z = 1; R₁ = 0.0868 for all 2749 measured independent reflections. Rb{Pr₆(C)₂}I₁₂ contains {Pr₆(C₂)} clusters isolated from each other, surrounded by twelve edge‐bridging and six terminal ligands. The [{Pr₆(C)₂}Iⁱ₁₂I^a₆]^? units are connected via i‐a/a‐i bridges according to {Pr₆C₂}Iⁱ_6/1I^i‐a_6/2I^a‐i_6/2 with rubidium ions occupying twelve‐coordinate interstices.     

Cluster cyanide-bridged heterometallic coordination polymers: synthesis and crystal structures of compounds [{Cu2(dien)2(CN)}2{Mo4Te4(CN)12}]·14.5H2O and (H3O)3K[{Mn(H2O)2}2{Mn(H2O)2(NO3)}4{W4Te4(CN)12}2]·8H2O

The reactions of anionic molybdenum and tungsten cyanide cuboidal clusters with Cu^II and Mn^II salts afforded two new cyanide-bridged heterometallic coordination polymers with the composition [{Cu₂(dien)₂(CN)}₂{Mo₄Te₄(CN)₁₂}]?14.5H₂O (1) and (H₃O)₃K[{Mn(H₂O)₂}₂{Mn(H₂O)₂(NO₃)}₄{W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂}₂]·8H₂O (2). The structures of these compounds were established by X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 has a layered structure, in which the cuboidal cluster fragments {Mo₄Te₄(CN)₁₂}^6? are linked to the copper atoms of the dinuclear fragments {(H₂O)(dien)Cu(μ-CN)Cu(dien)(H₂O)} through the bridging CN groups. Coordination polymer 2 has a framework structure, in which the cluster fragments {W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂}^6? are linked to the manganese(II) aqua complexes of two types, viz., the dinuclear fragment {Mn(μ₂-H₂O)₂Mn} and the tetranuclear cyclic fragment {(H₂O)₂Mn(μ₂-NO₃)}₄, through the bridging CN groups.     

Following the Reaction of Heteroanions inside a {W18O56} Polyoxometalate Nanocage by NMR Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry

By incorporating phosphorus(III)‐based anions into a polyoxometalate cage, a new type of tungsten‐based unconventional Dawson‐like cluster, [W₁₈O₅₆(HP^IIIO₃)₂(H₂O)₂]^8?, was isolated, in which the reaction of the two phosphite anions [HPO₃]^2? within the {W₁₈O₅₆} cage could be followed spectroscopically. As well as full X‐ray crystallographic analysis, we studied the reactivity of the cluster using both solution‐state NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. These techniques show that the cluster undergoes a structural rearrangement in solution whereby the {HPO₃} moieties dimerize to form a weakly interacting (O₃PH???HPO₃) moiety. In the crystalline state the cluster exhibits a thermally triggered oxidation of the two P^III template moieties to form P^V centers (phosphite to phosphate), commensurate with the transformation of the cage into a Wells–Dawson {W₁₈O₅₄} cluster.     

Exploring the Molecular Growth of Two Gigantic Half‐Closed Polyoxometalate Clusters {Mo180} and {Mo130Ce6}

Understanding the process of the self‐assembly of gigantic polyoxometalates and their subsequent molecular growth, by the addition of capping moieties onto the oxo‐frameworks, is critical for the development of the designed assembly of complex high‐nuclearity cluster species, yet such processes remain far from being understood. Herein we describe the molecular growth from {Mo₁₅₀} and {Mo₁₂₀Ce₆} to afford two half‐closed gigantic molybdenum blue clusters {Mo₁₈₀} ( 1 ) and {Mo₁₃₀Ce₆} ( 2 ), respectively. Compound 1 features a hat‐shaped structure with the parent wheel‐shaped {Mo₁₅₀} being capped by a {Mo₃₀} unit on one side. Similarly, 2 exhibits an elliptical lanthanide‐doped wheel {Mo₁₂₀Ce₆} that is sealed by a {Mo₁₀} unit on one side. Moreover, the observation of the parent uncapped {Mo₁₅₀} and {Mo₁₂₀Ce₆} clusters as minor products during the synthesis of 1 and 2 strongly suggests that the molecular growth process can be initialized from {Mo₁₅₀} and {Mo₁₂₀Ce₆} in solution, respectively.     

Time-Resolved Spectroscopy and High-Efficiency Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution of a {Mo3S4}-Containing Polyoxometalate-Based System

Polyoxothiometalate ions (ThioPOM) are active hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER) catalysts based on modular assembly built from electrophilic clusters {MoS_x} and vacant polyoxotungstates. Herein, the dumbbell-like anion [{(PW₁₁O₃₉)Mo₃S₄(H₂O)₃(OH)}₂]⁸⁻ exhibits very high light-driven HER activity, while the active cores {Mo₃S₄} do not contain any exposed disulfido ligands, which were suspected to be the origin of the HER activity. Moreover, in the catalyst architecture, the two central {Mo₃S₄} cores are sandwiched by two {PW₁₁O₃₉}⁷⁻ subunits that act as oxidant-resistant protecting groups and behave as electron-collecting units. A detailed photophysical study was carried out confirming the reductive quenching mechanism of the photosensitizer [Ir(ppy)₂(dtbbpy)]⁺ by the sacrificial donor triethanolamine (TEOA) and highlighting the very high rate constant of the electron transfer from the reduced photosensitizer to the ThioPOM catalyst. Such results provide new insights into the field of molecular catalytic systems able to promote high HER activity.     

Structural organization and thermal behavior of the heteropolynuclear complex [Au2{S2CN(CH3)2}4][ZnCl4] and the heterovalent complex ([Au{S2CN(CH3)2}2][AuCl2]) n obtained in the chemisorption system [Zn2{S2CN(CH3)2}4]-Au3+/2 M HCl

Reactions of freshly precipitated binuclear zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate with [AuCl₄]^? anions in 2 M HCl were studied. The heteropolynuclear complex [Au₂{S₂CN(CH₃)₂}₄][ZnCl₄] (I) and the polymeric heterovalent complex ([Au{S₂CN(CH₃)₂}₂][AuCl₂]) _n (II) were preparatively isolated from the chemisorption system [Zn₂{S₂CN(CH₃)₂}₄]-Au³⁺/2 M HCl. The products were characterized by ¹³C MAS NMR data and by X-ray diffraction determination of crystal and molecular structures. The principal structural units of compounds I and II are the tetragonal planar complex cations [Au{S₂CN(CH₃)₂}₂]⁺ (in which the complex-forming ion coordinates two MDtc ligands in the S,S′-bidentate mode) and the anions, namely, the distorted tetrahedral anion [ZnCl₄]^2? in I and the linear [AuCl₂]^? anion in II. The further structural self-organization of complexes at the supramoleular level occurs through relatively weak secondary bonds Au?S and Au?Cl. The chemisorption capacities of zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate calculated from gold(III)-binding reactions are 644.1 and 1288.2 mg of gold per gram of the sorbent. Simultaneous thermal analysis studies of the thermal behavior of I and II were used to elucidate the conditions of gold recovery.     

Crystal structure of [{Cu(H2O)(en)2}{Cu(en)2}Re6Te8(CN)6]·3H2O

The reaction of Cs₄[Re₆Te₈(CN)₆]·2H₂O with Cu(en)₂Cl₂ in water affords crystals of a cluster complex [{Cu(H₂O)(en)₂}{Cu(en)₂}Re₆Te₈(CN)₆]·3H₂O. The structure of the compound is determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (a = 10.8082(4) Å, b = 16.5404(6) Å, c = 24.6480(7) Å, β = 92.696(1)°, V = 4401.5(3) ų, Z = 4, space group P2₁/n, R ₁ = 0.0331, wR ₂ (all data) = 0.0652). In the complex, cluster [Re₆Te₈(CN)₆]^4? anions are linked by Cu²⁺ cations into zigzag chains through cyanide bridges. The coordination environment of the copper cations is complemented by ethylenediamine molecules. Each of the cluster anions is additionally coordinated by a terminal fragment {Cu(H₂O)(en)₂}.     

Assembly of Tungsten‐Oxide‐Based Pentagonal Motifs in Solution Leads to Nanoscale {W48}, {W56}, and {W92} Polyoxometalate Clusters

We report an approach to synthesize molecular tungsten‐oxide‐based pentagonal building blocks, in a new {W₂₁O₇₂} unit, and show how this leads to a family of gigantic molecular architectures including [H₁₂W₄₈O₁₆₄]^28? {W₄₈}, [H₂₀W₅₆O₁₉₀]^24? {W₅₆}, and [H₁₂W₉₂O₃₁₁]^58? {W₉₂}. The {W₄₈} and {W₅₆} clusters are both dimeric species incorporating two {W₂₁} units and the {W₅₆} species is the first example of a molecular metal oxide cluster containing a chiral “double‐stranded” motif which is stable in solution as confirmed by mass spectrometry. The {W₉₂} anion having four {W₂₁} units is one of the largest transition metal substituted isopolyoxotungstates known.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of heterometallic complexes [{Cu(en)2}2{Cu(en)2(NH3)}{M4Te4(CN)12}]·5H2O (M = Mo,W)

Evaporation of aqueous ammonia solutions of K₇[Mo₄Te₄(CN)₁₂]·12H₂O or K₆[W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂]·5H₂O, copper(ii) chloride, and ethylenediamine afforded the isostructural heterometallic complexes [{Cu(en)₂}₂{Cu(en)₂(NH₃)}{M₄Te₄(CN)₁₂}]·5H₂O (M = Mo or W), which were characterized by IR and ESR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis.     

A {Nb6P2W12}‐Based Hexameric Manganese Cluster with Single‐Molecule Magnet Properties

By deliberately using a metastable polyanion [(NbO₂)₆P₂W₁₂O₅₆]^12? ( 1 ), which was formed in situ, we have discovered the unprecedented hexameric cluster {Mn₁₅(Nb₆P₂W₁₂O₆₂)₆} ( 2 ), in which the six polyanions [Nb₆P₂W₁₂O₆₁]^10? are alternately connected by four intriguing trinuclear {Mn^III₃} moieties and four {Mn^II} linkers. This discovery is the first in which the phosphoniobotungstate has been made accessible by using transition‐metal ions; furthermore, polyanion 2 represents the largest niobotungstate cluster reported to date. Analysis by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS ) provides insight into the self‐assembly process, and the peaks observed relate to the different charge states of the parent cluster, thus confirming the stability of 2 . In addition, magnetic‐susceptibility measurements reveal that each {Mn^III₃} subunit is a separate single‐molecule magnet (SMM). This discovery results from the exploration of the reverse effect of metastable polyanion 1 possessing high reactivity, thereby turning a disadvantage into an advantage. This finding could define a new synthetic strategy for the design and synthesis of magnetic polyoxometalate (POM) clusters.     

[SnI8{Fe(CO)4}4]2+: Highly Coordinated Sn+III8 Subunit with Fragile Carbonyl Clips

[SnI₈{Fe(CO)₄}₄][Al₂Cl₇]₂ contains the [SnI₈{Fe(CO)₄}₄]²⁺ cation with an unprecedented highly coordinated, bicapped SnI₈ prism. Given the eightfold coordination with the most voluminous stable halide, it is all the more surprising that this SnI₈ arrangement is surrounded only by fragile Fe(CO)₄ groups in a clip‐like fashion. Inspite of a predominantly ionic bonding situation in [SnI₈{Fe(CO)₄}₄]²⁺, the I^????I^? distances are considerably shortened (down to 371 pm) and significantly less than the van der Waals distance (420 pm). The title compound is characterized by single‐crystal structure analysis, spectroscopic methods (EDXS, FTIR, Raman, UV/Vis, Mössbauer), thermogravimetry, and density functional theory methods.     

Adduct formation of cadmium(II) N,N-cyclo-hexamethylenedithiocarbamate, [Cd2{S2CN(CH2)6}4], with morpholine: Synthesis, molecular structure, and thermal behavior of a crystalline adduct cis-[Cd{NH(CH2)4O}2{S2CN(CH2)6}2]

The reaction of [Cd₂{S₂CN(CH₂)₆}₄] (I) with morpholine gives a crystalline adduct of cadmium N,N-cyclo-hexamethylenedithiocarbamate [Cd{NH(CH₂)₄O}₂{S₂CN(CH₂)₆}₂] (II), whose coordination sphere includes two molecules of the donor base. The structural organization and thermal behavior of II is studied by X-ray diffraction analysis and simultaneous thermal analysis in comparison with the original binuclear cadmium complex I. The central cadmium atom (coordination number 6) coordinates two morpholine molecules and two structurally equivalent S,S’-anisobidentate ligands HmDtc to form a chromophore [CdN₂S₄] with the structure of a distorted octahedron. The thermal destruction of II proceeds in two stages and includes consecutive steps of dissociation of the Cd-N bonds followed by the desorption of morpholine and thermolysis of the dithiocarbamate moiety of the adduct to form CdS as the final product. The structure of binuclear [Cd₂{S₂CN(CH₂)₆}₄] is refined for a correct refinement of the geometric characteristics of compounds I and II.     

Solvatothermal Syntheses and Structural Characterizations of Polyoxoalkoxometalates: The Heptanuclear [{Fe(OH)(CH3CN)2} Fe6OCl6{(OCH2)3CCH2OH}4], the Decanuclear [Fe10O2Cl8{(OCH2)3CCH2CH3}6], and the Bimetallic [(VO)2Fe8O2Cl6{(OCH2)3CCH2CH3}6]

Solvatothermal syntheses have been exploited to effect the isolation of three novel polyoxoalkoxometalate clusters, [{Fe(OH)(CH₃CN)₂} Fe₆OCl₆{(OCH₂)₃CCH₂OH}₄] (1), [Fe₁₀O₂Cl₈{(OCH₂)₃CCH₂CH₃}₆] (2), and [(VO)₂Fe₈O₂Cl₆{(OCH₂)₃CCH₂CH₃}₆] (3). The structure of 1 may be described as a hexametalate core {Fe₆OCl₆}¹⁰⁺, consisting of a octahedral arrangement of chloride ligands encasing an octahedron of six Fe(III) sites, with a central oxo group. The remaining four coordination sites at each octahedral iron center are occupied by doubly bridging oxygen donors from the trisalkoxo ligands. One triangular face of this substructure, defined by three oxygen atoms, from three adjacent trisalkoxo ligands, is capped by the {Fe(OH)(CH₃CN)₂}²⁺ subunit. The structure of 2 is based on the decametalate core of edge-sharing octahedra. The eight peripheral Fe(III) sites of the cluster bond to four oxygen donors from the trisalkoxo ligands, a terminal Cl^– ligand, and one of the ⁶-oxo groups. The two central iron sites are linked to four oxygen donors from the trisalkoxo ligands and to both of the ⁶-oxo groups. Cluster 3 is structurally related to 2 with two {FeCl}²⁺ units replaced by {VO}²⁺ groups.